HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky., – The Milwaukee volleyball team earned a first-set win, but dropped a 3-1 decision to preseason favorites Northern Kentucky on Saturday afternoon.
 
"This was a tough match but we played very well compared to yesterday. We had a lot of energy and a lot of confidence. I was really proud of the team for that. Unfortunately, we didn't get the result but we pushed. This team has a lot of potential and I believe in them."
 
The Norse rolled out early in set one, jumping to a 6-1 and later pushing to 11-2 before Milwaukee battled back. The Panthers rattled off nine consecutive points to tie it 11-11.
 
The two traded points from there before the Norse took a two-point advantage at 22-20. The Panthers responded, however, as MKE scored five of the next six points to take a 25-23 victory.
 
In the second, the Panthers were held to just eight kills and a .067 attack percentage as the Norse pulled even with a 25-14 victory.
 
Ari Miller took the reins in the third, putting away seven kills in 12 swings, but the Norse were on fire, hitting .349 on their way to a 25-21 win.
 
Milwaukee took control late in the fourth 22-20 and had sights to extend the match, but NKU had other ideas. Northern Kentucky recorded five straight points including a pair of controversial kills to take the match 25-20.
 
Miller led the Panthers with 16 kills and a .353 attack percentage. Madi Malone recorded eight kills and four digs while Natalie Schmitz and Czhen Beneby each totaled seven kills.
 
Kara Erdmann posted a career-high 18 digs. Kaley Blake and Josie Johnson combined for 36 assists and 29 digs.
 
Milwaukee returns home for its next two matches beginning with Oakland on October 7 at 6:00 pm for OHOW Night. 
 
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